Singer-songwriter Iris Dement’s lovely voice came wafting over the airwaves this morning as I was drowsily greeting New Year’s Day 2011. I had heard this song called My Life before, but it grabbed me in a way that I had not considered before. The lyrics speak of a doubt that she, and many people have, that their presence on the planet, doesn’t count for much or isn’t all that important. After all, what can one person do? The truth is, everything we think, everything we do, MATTERS. Remember the last time someone did something for you that seemed simple, such as complimenting you on something you were wearing or thanked you for holding open a door. How did you feel? Likely, it put a smile on your face and had you ‘paying it forward’ in your next encounter with whoever crossed your path. They then picked up on your energy and, like a ‘healthy’ virus, it spread exponentially

Friday morning, on my way out of the post office, I complimented a women who was wearing a gorgeous, rainbow hued, painted on silk scarf, irridescent, glowing, around her neck. The outfit was cembellished by dangly earrings with pretty stones. Blue gloves encased her hands, one of which she reached out in greeting as we introduced ourselves to each other. Sue made my day as well. When I commented on my relatively tamer earrings, she laughed and said, “I know that you’re pretty funky too!” as we each recognized a kindred spirit. I carried that twinkling energy back out on the road.

The song does redeem itself, as Iris sings about how she could indeed make a difference in the lives of those she loves.

Edie Weinstein

Edie Weinstein, MSW, LSW is a colorfully creative journalist, inspiring transformational speaker, licensed social worker, interfaith minister, editor, radio host, BLISS coach, event producer, Cosmic Concierge, the author of The Bliss Mistress Guide To Transforming The Ordinary Into The Extraordinary and co-author of Embraced By the Divine: The Emerging Woman’s Gateway to Power, Passion and Purpose. She has also contributed to several anthologies and personal growth books. Edie has interviewed such notables as Ram Dass, Wayne Dyer, Debbie Ford, don Miguel Ruiz, don Miguel Ruiz, Jr. Marianne Williamson, Grover Washington, Jr. Noah Levine, Shirley MacLaine, Dennis Weaver, Ben and Jerry and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. She calls herself an Opti-mystic who sees the world through the eyes of possibility. Edie is the founder of Hug Mobsters Armed With Love, which offers FREE HUGS events on a planned and spontaneous basis. www.opti-mystical.com.